photos by Jeff Schnorr
“November’s sky is chill and drear; November’s leaf is red and sear.” - Sir Walter Scott
As the curtain falls slowly on summer, the telltale signs of autumn become more evident as the days pass by. We see them inside, on our TV sets, as our favorite shows return from rerun limbo to resolve their nerve-wracking summer cliff-hangers; as baseball’s post-season winds up, and football’s season begins — the Boys of Summer grudgingly giving the stage to the helmeted warriors of fall and winter.
We feel them inside, as we muse about all the things we wanted to do this summer — the trip not taken, the old friend not visited, the garage still uncleaned — and quickly move on to new concerns, like paying for the kid’s fall semester tuition, and who’s going to be White House-bound come November.
Mostly, we notice them outside, in nature, as sunsets start coming a little closer to dinnertime, the air gets slightly more brisk and chilly for evening walks, and the leaves on the trees start sporting brilliant colors before falling to the cool ground in a multicolored canopy.
|
SMOKE Cigar Ratings |
|---|
| Rating | Quality |
|---|
| 0-2.0 | Poor |
| 2.1-2.9 | Fair |
| 3.0-3.7 | Good |
| 3.8-4.4 | Excellent |
| 4.5-5.0 | Superior |
Colored leaves are perhaps the best representation of the spirit of autumn — a season that represents change and growth. And it’s colored leaves that most clearly and elegantly illustrate the distinctions between fine cigars. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur, or are new to the pleasures of cigar smoking, you can travel to your local smokeshop, peruse the walk-in humidor, and discover an autumnal rainbow of colors: golden brown claros right next to cocoa-brown maduros; classic, dusty naturals across from rusty-red rosados; and perhaps even a silky green candela or a coffee-black oscuro scattered among the selections. Despite the emphasis that most smokers place on a cigar’s blend of filler tobacco, the wrapper of a cigar is not only responsible for your palate’s first impression; it can, in fact, account for up to 60% of a cigar’s flavor. With autumn on our minds, we at SMOKE decided to cover the gamut of wrapper types in this issue’s review, offering up candidates from candela (or double claro) to oscuro (or double maduro) and everything in between.
The results included another impressive showing by the House of Davidoff, and specifically, by its Avo line (a 4.4 for the Domaine Avo No. 50, and 4.3 for the Avo Maduro No. 2, along with a 4.4 for the Griffins Maduro Piramide), and by Tabacalera Perdomo (with the Perdomo2 Torfecto garnering a 4.4 and the La Tradicion Cabinet Series Perdomo Reserve No. 2 racking up an impressive 4.5, the highest in the survey). Dunhill’s elegant, mild-bodied Cabrera came in at a 4.2, seemingly putting to bed to the theory that our panelists only go for full-bodied smokes. C.A.O.’s Toro Cameroon, the newest in their l’Anniversaire series, impressed with a 4.2. A couple of boutique brands held their own with the big boys, like Estavan Cruz’s Pancho, La Perla Habana’s Torpedo, and La Luna’s Maduro Fuerte, all earning a 4.2; and the Indigo Robusto, the Little Cigar that Could, placed in the upper echelon with a 4.4. The detailed results await you, beginning on the next page.
The usual thanks go out to our intrepid panel of reviewers, as well as a special welcome and congratulations to first-time panelists Jim DeVault, Mike Galloway, and Silvestre Gonzalez, all winners of our online “Become a Reviewer” contest, which, as always, can be entered by checking out our contest page. If you know your cigars, and love to express your opinion about them in writing, enter today!
And remember — autumn is the season of renewal, the time to try new things. Take a night course. Check out a new TV show. Try a few new cigars. And for God’s sake, clean that garage. You may need it come wintertime.
- Mark Bernardo
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 |  | BERING Casino | Country:
Honduras | Wrapper:
Hon/Conn | Binder:
Honduras
| Manufacturer:
Swisher | Filler:
DR/Hon/Mex | Price:
$3.30 | | Panelist #1 | This would be a nice morning
smoke; it tasted good with a white
wine. I'd give it to a friend looking
for a light cigar. SCORE: 4.0 | | Panelist #2 | This cigar brings back memories of
my dad and his buddies from the
late '60s. I'd have one while hiking.
A fun change of pace. SCORE: 3.5 | | Panelist #3 | This could be a good midday smoke,
with enough fullness to satisfy after
a large meal too, if you don't mind
it going out halfway. SCORE: 3.2 | | Panelist #4 | This cigar surprised me. I expected a mild, uncomplicated smoke, but instead I got a truly pleasurable experience. SCORE: 3.8 |
 |  | DUNHILL Cabrera | Country:
Dominican Republic | Wrapper:
Connecticut | Binder:
Dominican Republic
| Manufacturer:
Lane Limited | Filler:
DR/Brazil | Price:
$10.55 | | Panelist #1 | A flavorful, mild stogie. Be patient;
don't give up on it too early and
you'll have a really enjoyable smoke.
I would buy these. SCORE: 4.2 | | Panelist #2 | There's not enough 'oomph' for
my taste, but should be fine for a
novice. Good before breakfast, or
even while still asleep! SCORE: 3.7 | | Panelist #3 | This was an average stick; it did
some things well, but mostly stayed
mediocre. A good everyday cigar, if
it's inexpensive. SCORE: 3.8 | | Panelist #4 | This is a top-flight cigar; if you
want to give a good friend (or yourself) a cigar for a special occasion,
this is the one! SCORE: 5.0 |
 |  | DON DIEGO Corona | Country:
Dominican Republic | Wrapper:
Connecticut | Binder:
DR/Brazil
| Manufacturer:
Altadis USA | Filler:
Dominican Republic | Price:
$3.75 | | Panelist #1 | I've really enjoyed this cigar. Have
one after an Italian Chicken dinner;
it fit perfectly! I'd suggest this one
as a pleasant surprise. SCORE: 4.3 | | Panelist #2 | The overall light character of this
cigar makes it good for novices and
fans of mild smokes. Unfinished
flavors hurt the taste. SCORE: 2.9 | | Panelist #3 | Low-grade, in my opinion. I probably
wouldn't smoke another one of these
at any price.The manufacturer needs
to make improvements. SCORE: 2.9 | | Panelist #4 | The irregular construction qualities were a drawback.The taste is
harsh and the quality appears to
be undependable. SCORE: 3.6 |
 |  | LICENCIADOS Wavell | Country:
Dominican Republic | Wrapper:
Connecticut | Binder:
Dominican Republic
| Manufacturer:
Mike's Cigars | Filler:
Dominican Republic | Price:
$3.10 | | Panelist #1 | A good-quality, well-rolled mild
cigar that you can enjoy any time
of day. I usually like 'em stronger,
but I enjoyed this. SCORE: 4.4 | | Panelist #2 | The nice flavor of this cigar was
hampered by a tight draw and
uneven burn. Improved construction
could make it great. SCORE: 3.5 | | Panelist #3 | A little 'ho-hum' for my tastes, but
possibly a good beginner's cigar. Not
bad for a milder smoke; needs some
time to develop. SCORE: 3.9 | | Panelist #4 | A surprisingly nice cigar. Perfect
with a single malt Scotch after a
long day. Definitely pick these up
if they're affordable. SCORE: 4.4 |
 |  | FONSECA Corona | Country:
Dominican Republic | Wrapper:
Connecticut | Binder:
Mexico
| Manufacturer:
Matasa/SAG Imports | Filler:
Dominican Republic | Price:
$4.25 | | Panelist #1 | A well-constructed cigar that will
appeal to lovers of all things mild.
In my own case, I'd give it some
serious humidor time. SCORE: 3.8 | | Panelist #2 | I can't recommend this one. I myself
wouldn't buy it; it reminds me of
a movie that has no real ending.
Life is too short. SCORE: 2.9 | | Panelist #3 | Smooth, creamy, and buttery, this is
a well-constructed smoke. I'd recommend this cigar to most smokers
of the milder variety. SCORE: 3.8 | | Panelist #4 | Not a bad cigar. I'm not sure I'd
buy these, but I wouldn't turn one
down if it were offered. The construction is nice. SCORE: 4.1 |
 | | MACANUDO Duke of Windsor | Country:
Jamaica | Wrapper:
Connecticut | Binder:
Mexico
| Manufacturer:
General Cigar | Filler:
DR/Jam/Mex | Price:
$7.25 | | Panelist #1 | Quite simply, a beautiful belicoso.
This cigar would be great for an
early round of golf, or for on a boat
with a Coors Light. SCORE: 4.6 | | Panelist #2 | I expected much more from these
well-presented samples, and unfortunately, it was all downhill from
the initial puff. SCORE: 2.8 | | Panelist #3 | To me, this mild smoke is not what
premium cigars are about. It's a
shame the rollers didn't have proper
tobacco to work with. SCORE: 2.9 | | Panelist #4 | A first-class cigar … consistent
and well-constructed, with lots of
rich flavor. Smoke this one all
the way down. SCORE: 4.6 |
 |  | ROMEO Y JULIETA Vintage I | Country:
Dominican Republic | Wrapper:
Ecuador | Binder:
Mexico
| Manufacturer:
Altadis USA | Filler:
Dominican Republic | Price:
$7.00 | | Panelist #1 | To someone who likes a dusty,
earthy Dominican, this should fit
the bill. A looser roll would do wonders for this smoke. SCORE: 3.5 | | Panelist #2 | Some quality control and some
aging could move this into my recommended category. For now, though,
I'd say skip it. SCORE: 2.6 | | Panelist #3 | Not really a cigar for anyone who's
had better. I had to have a strong
beverage with this one; I recommend
a double espresso. SCORE: 3.0 | | Panelist #4 | You'd want this one if you were
involved in another activity and
didn't want to concentrate on
smoking a cigar. SCORE: 3.3 |
 | | C.A.O. GOLD Corona | Country:
Nicaragua | Wrapper:
Ecuador | Binder:
Nicaragua
| Manufacturer:
C.A.O. | Filler:
Nicaragua | Price:
$4.20 | | Panelist #1 | A complex-tasting, well-made cigar
that should be smoked slowly. I'd
have this after dinner with a cold
Scotch and water. SCORE: 4.5 | | Panelist #2 | All in all, an OK smoke for a quick
lunch break or driving home from
work. I'd say it's best-suited as a
cigar for newcomers. SCORE: 2.8 | | Panelist #3 | This cigar had many of the trimmings of a hand-rolled premium, but after smoking it, I still found
it lacking something. SCORE: 2.8 | | Panelist #4 | I really enjoyed these, even though
they're smaller than I normally
smoke. I'd love to try this in a
larger, toro size! SCORE: 4.8 |
 |  | SUAREZ Torpedo Royale | Country:
Dominican Republic | Wrapper:
Connecticut | Binder:
Dominican Republic
| Manufacturer:
Gran Reserve | Filler:
Dominican Republic | Price:
$3.75 | | Panelist #1 | This is a great early-morning cigar,
very well-made. I would recommend
it, though I'm sure it has lots of
competition. SCORE: 4.0 | | Panelist #2 | I could only smoke about a third
of this one. The construction was
all right, but the flavor just didn't
cut it, in my opinion. SCORE: 2.0 | | Panelist #3 | It works well as an after-lunch
smoke. This makes great dessert
after a good corned beef sandwich
and a kosher pickle. SCORE: 3.4 | | Panelist #4 | This cigar never really talked to
me, but it was good for a smoke
at high noon. The taste was good,
but uneventful. SCORE: 3.5 |
 |  | V CENTENNIAL Cetro | Country:
Dominican Republic | Wrapper:
Connecticut | Binder:
Dominican Republic
| Manufacturer:
Tropical Tobacco | Filler:
DR/Nic/Hon | Price:
$3.50 | | Panelist #1 | This is a smoke I would love to add
to my humidor. Definitely one to
look forward to, either after dinner
or on the back nine. SCORE: 4.2 | | Panelist #2 | Not a bad smoke … it deserves a
place with your tobacconist, if not in
my humidor. Aroma will stay with
your clothes a while. SCORE: 3.4 | | Panelist #3 | This very mild cigar doesn't offer
much flavor or aroma. Construction
is decent, but there's little to point
to for recommendation. SCORE: 3.5 | | Panelist #4 | This is quite simply a cigar to
enjoy at any time of the day. It's
smooth enough for novices, complex enough for vets. SCORE:4.1 |
 | | HOYO DE MONTEREY EXCALIBUR Banquet | Country:
Honduras | Wrapper:
Connecticut | Binder:
Connecticut
| Manufacturer:
General Cigar | Filler:
DR/Hon/Nic | Price:
$7.00 | | Panelist #1 | This one's recommended mega-highly! This cigar was ever-changing in strength and complexity. The
best one in the review. SCORE: 3.4 | | Panelist #2 | I can't recommend these, and I
wouldn't buy them at this stage.
Work on the construction and the
aging, and we'll see. SCORE: 2.0 | | Panelist #3 | This is not one for my particular
palate...and it reminds me of some
of the dearly departed Don Nobodys.
Look elsewhere. SCORE: 2.8 | | Panelist #4 | Decent but not distinguished, and
a bit mild for my taste. Best features are an easy draw and generous volume of smoke.SCORE: 4.4 |
 | | DIAMOND CROWN Robusto No. 4 | Country:
Dominican Republic | Wrapper:
Connecticut | Binder:
Dominican Republic
| Manufacturer:
J.C. Newman | Filler:
Dominican Republic | Price:
$10.50 | | Panelist #1 | Overall, I'd call this a good cigar for
the afternoon. I recommend this
one to everyone who's looking for
a pleasant smoke. SCORE: 4.5 | | Panelist #2 | A pretty decent smoke … not exceptional, but enjoyable. The large ring
gauge produced a mouthful of cool,
flavorful smoke. SCORE: 3.7 | | Panelist #3 | If these cigars weren't so spongy, I
would recommend them to anyone,
in a heartbeat. As it is, they're still
well above average. SCORE: 3.7 | | Panelist #4 | I would buy this one, and recommend it to others in search of a good medium-body smoke. Consistency makes it nice. SCORE: 4.5 |
 | | PUNCH Royal Selection No. 11 | Country:
Cuba | Wrapper:
Cuba | Binder:
Cuba
| Manufacturer:
Habanos S.A. | Filler:
Cuba | Price:
$15+ | | Panelist #1 | A good smoke, though it's uneven
from start to finish. If you can
handle some heat toward the end,
this could be for you. SCORE: 4.0 | | Panelist #2 | This cigar smokes well and looks
good, but lacks a truly distinct
flavor. An average smoke that could
use a little aging. SCORE: 3.3 | | Panelist #3 | I had this one with water, and found
myself wishing I had coffee, or something stronger to drink with it. I
recommend it. SCORE: 3.9 | | Panelist #4 | Like an evening with the in-laws,
sometimes things turn out better
than expected. Best left to the experienced smoker. SCORE: 4.0 |
 | | BALMORAL Lonsdale | Country:
Dominican Republic | Wrapper:
Ecuador | Binder:
Dominican Republic
| Manufacturer:
Agio/Balmoral | Filler:
DR/Brazil | Price:
$4.00 | | Panelist #1 | This was an awesome smoke, highly
recommended. I normally hate this
long, thin shape, but I'll definitely
smoke these again. SCORE: 4.7 | | Panelist #2 | I'd recommend this to someone who
enjoys milder smokes; it's too light
for my taste. It's OK for a long, lean,
light cigar. SCORE: 3.4 | | Panelist #3 | In general, these are what I'd pawn
off on annoying associates who insist
on rummaging through my humidor.
at the office. SCORE: 2.5 | | Panelist #4 | This was not a bad mild smoke,
but it didn't offer any outstanding
qualities. This is for mild cigar
lovers only. SCORE: 3.8
|
 | | CUBITA No. 700 | Country:
Dominican Republic | Wrapper:
Connecticut | Binder:
Dominican Republic
| Manufacturer:
Matasa/SAG Imports | Filler:
Dominican Republic | Price:
$5.65 | | Panelist #1 | This is a well-constructed stogie
that shows lots of quality. A bit
light for me (maybe a hair young)
but good nonetheless. SCORE: 4.2 | | Panelist #2 | This is a good cigar, though not
exceptional. I can recommend it,
if the price is reasonable, for an
experienced smoker. SCORE: 3.5 | | Panelist #3 | This one went well with a snifter of
cognac after a blackened steak
dinner. I smoked this to the nub.
Where can I get this? SCORE: 4.6 | | Panelist #4 | I smoked this while fishing with
some buddies, and they wanted
to know what it was, so they
could get some! SCORE: 4.6 |
 |  | RAMON ALLONES Small Club Corona | Country:
Cuba | Wrapper:
Cuba | Binder:
Cuba
| Manufacturer:
Habanos S.A. | Filler:
Cuba | Price:
$15+ | | Panelist #1 | This little powerhouse is great!
After a meal or with some hot
coffee, they pack a nice punch.
Not for beginners. SCORE: 4.3 | | Panelist #2 | A killer in disguise. A beautiful little
cigar that was either poorly blended
or not allowed to age enough. Flavor
is too inconsistent. SCORE: 2.5 | | Panelist #3 | I'd sum this one up as follows: an
OK start followed by a quick down-hill dive. My advice would be, don't
waste your time. SCORE: 2.0 | | Panelist #4 | This was a very good little cigar,
but only for those times when
you don't have time for a real,
regular-sized smoke. SCORE: 4.5 |
 | | JAMAICAN GEM Toro | Country:
Jamaica | Wrapper:
Mexico | Binder:
Mexico
| Manufacturer:
Brick-Hanauer | Filler:
Jam/Mex | Price:
$2.00 | | Panelist #1 | This one paired great with a peaty
Scotch from the highlands. Close
your eyes and prepare to enjoy an
awesome cigar. SCORE: 4.5 | | Panelist #2 | This cigar comes in at a solid
mediocre. If you smoked one with a
nice cocktail, you'd still have a nice
cocktail. SCORE: 3.0 | | Panelist #3 | An overall nice cigar that would be
great if the flavor weren't so harsh
and chemical-tasting. Other factors
made it enjoyable. SCORE: 3.7 | | Panelist #4 | I'd consider this one for an after
dinner smoke, as it's somewhat
smooth and flavorful. It's not
great, but not bad. SCORE: 3.8 |
 | | DAVIDOFF Short Perfecto | Country:
Dominican Republic | Wrapper:
Connecticut | Binder:
Dominican Republic
| Manufacturer:
Davidoff | Filler:
Dominican Republic | Price:
$9.80 | | Panelist #1 | This is the perfect smoke for lunch
break. It doesn't challenge or intimidate, it just gets along with you as
you smoke it. SCORE: 4.1 | | Panelist #2 | A very well-made cigar, with a
disappointing taste. I'd definitely
give this one a little time to mature
before trying again. SCORE: 3.0 | | Panelist #3 | Not a bad cigar, but it didn't do
much to distinguish itself. Have one
of these when you're mowing the
lawn or fixing the car. SCORE: 3.5 | | Panelist #4 | Overall, a good smoke for just
about any time of day, fine on its
own, perfect when paired with
a dry red wine. SCORE: 4.2 |
 | | HOYO DE MONTEREY Epicure No. 2 | Country:
Cuba | Wrapper:
Cuba | Binder:
Cuba
| Manufacturer:
Habanos S.A. | Filler:
Cuba | Price:
$15+ | | Panelist #1 | A very substantial cigar that necessitates sober consideration. If you
have the time, this cigar supplies
everything else. SCORE: 4.3 | | Panelist #2 | Samples are all consistent, and all
are perfect after-dinner smokes.
Good for hardcore smokers and
newbies alike. SCORE: 4.2 | | Panelist #3 | The tobacco seemed a bit young in
this cigar, leading to a smoke that
was a little too harsh and sharp for
my tastes. SCORE: 3.5 | | Panelist #4 | I'd recommend a strong drink or
a coffee with this one. A great
smoke, with an easy draw and
complex flavors. SCORE: 4.3 |
 | | S.T. DUPONT Corona | Country:
Canary Islands | Wrapper:
Indonesia | Binder:
Dominican Republic
| Manufacturer:
S.T. DuPont | Filler:
Brazil/DR | Price:
$6.00 | | Panelist #1 | It didn't perform quite to what its
construction promised, but didn't
disappoint either. Experienced
smokers will enjoy. SCORE: 3.7 | | Panelist #2 | I generally like more challenging
flavors in my cigars, but the nice
construction gets this one a mild
recommendation. SCORE: 3.4 | | Panelist #3 | I wouldn't go out of my way to look
for this one. Not a bad cigar, just
offers nothing particularly outstanding to me, personally. SCORE: 3.0 | | Panelist #4 | This is a nice cigar to have for
dessert with a Scotch or a single-barrel bourbon. Just a quiet,
quality smoke. SCORE: 4.2 |
 Continued on next page...
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